The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has successfully confiscated a significant quantity of unregistered and illegal tobacco items from four locations in Accra during a focused enforcement operation.

Among the seized products were 15 varieties of unlawful shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three types of illegal cigarettes, seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters, 21 unregistered vapes, 10 illicit cigars, and four types of unauthorised tobacco wraps. This operation, which was carried out in collaboration with two police officers, is part of the initiatives commemorating this year’s World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

The enforcement action targeted six facilities situated in Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota, with two of the locations being shut down at the time of the inspection.

Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, remarked that this operation underscores the Authority’s relentless commitment to eliminating harmful and unapproved products from the market. “The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes. The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers,” she asserted.

Ms Odonkor reiterated the FDA’s dedication to safeguarding public health and curtailing the distribution of hazardous tobacco products. She also indicated that the Authority plans to enhance public awareness campaigns, particularly aimed at schools. “We will be visiting schools to educate our students on the harmful effects of tobacco products to safeguard them from illicit drugs,” she explained.

The FDA continues to encourage the public to stay alert and report any suspicious products or activities related to tobacco sales.